A London resident tracked his stolen phone all the way to China after it was snatched from his hands. Sukru Haskan was holding his iPhone 14 on Brompton Street, Knightsbridge when a man on an electric bike grabbed it from him. The 41-year-old recounted, “He was on an e-bike, wearing thick gloves, and just grabbed the phone.”
Despite being fit, Sukru didn’t attempt to chase the thief as the man quickly disappeared. While being interviewed by officers, Sukru tracked his phone’s location. “First it moved to Hyde Park, then Finsbury Park. I was sending screenshots to the police, but soon it was in China,” he explained.
The phone eventually ended up in Shenzhen, known as China’s ‘Silicon Valley’. Despite knowing the phone’s location, police closed the case after it left the country. Sukru expressed frustration, “I understand phones get stolen in a big city, but it’s troubling how easily they are transported overseas.”
– Stolen on 31/07 at 23:09 at Knightsbridge
– Hyde Park at 23:15
– Finsbury Park at 00:55
– Aldersbrook Primary School, E12 at 14:45 on 1st AugustAnd now… It is in Shenzhen, China on 15th August pic.twitter.com/3MytD6TcpB
— Sukru Haskan (@sukru_haskan) August 17, 2024
He highlighted the broader issue, noting, “Hundreds of thousands of phones end up in China. It’s a global trade, and nothing is being done. The police closed my case due to lack of suspects, but it’s part of an international crime organisation.”
In April, another victim, Emma Hall, traced her stolen phone to the same address in Shenzhen. She lost her phone to a gang of youths near her flat in Leyton High Street, east London.
Last year, over 52,000 phones were stolen in London. The City of Westminster had the highest number of incidents with 18,863 reported cases. Camden followed with 4,806 incidents, then Southwark (4,376), Hackney (2,761), Newham (2,585), Lambeth (2,394), and Islington (2,117).
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
How did Sukru Haskan track his stolen iPhone?
He used location tracking on his iPhone and saw its movement in real-time.
Where was Sukru Haskan’s iPhone eventually located?
The iPhone was located in Shenzhen, China.
Why did the police close the case on Sukru Haskan’s stolen phone?
The case was closed because the phone had traveled out of the country.
How many phones were stolen in London last year?
More than 52,000 phones were stolen in London last year.
Which London borough had the highest number of phone thefts?
The City of Westminster had the highest number of phone thefts with 18,863 incidents.
